Paul Merson reveals the mistake Mikel Arteta made during Arsenal's title race

Paul Merson believes Mikel Arteta made a mistake by not starting Jorginho during an April wobble which could cost Arsenal the Premier League title.

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The Gunners had been so impressive for much of the season but their title challenge began to unravel last month as they dropped points against Liverpool, West Ham, Southampton and Manchester City.

Arsenal threw away two-goal leads to draw 2-2 with Liverpool and West Ham before needing two late goals to rescue a point against bottom-placed Southampton.

Arteta’s side, aiming to win the Premier League for the first time since 2004, were then thumped 4-1 by title rivals Manchester City in a one-sided clash at the Etihad Stadium.

Arsenal January signing Jorginho was left on the bench against Liverpool and Southampton and only made second-half cameos against Southampton and Man City.

Arteta rejigged his midfield for Arsenal’s next two games and the change worked wonders as Jorginho starred in wins over his former club Chelsea and Champions League-chasing Newcastle United.

‘I think Mikel Arteta will have learnt lessons from this last month,’ Merson told Sky Sports. ‘Looking back, Jorginho should have started against Southampton.

‘It was a game Arsenal simply had to win, not by seven or eight goals, just win.

‘I know hindsight is crystal clear, but Jorginho was brought in for a reason, and I think he would have helped keep things tight, ensured Southampton didn’t score, and then created chances.

‘I was shocked Fabio Vieira, who has not had a great season, played ahead of Jorginho, and Arsenal went on to draw the game.

‘Jorginho manages the game. People say he cannot run, but you don’t have to run, his brain is quick. You’re better off having a quick brain than quick legs.

‘You know what the best skill in football is? It isn’t stepovers or flicks, funnily enough it’s finding your team-mates with the ball.

‘It’s an unbelievable skill that often goes under the radar. Everyone wants to see players beating seven defenders and scoring amazing solo goals, but the best skill is passing the ball successfully.

‘Don’t talk to me about ballers! It’s about keeping the ball, looking after the ball, passing and moving. Jorginho was man-of-the-match at Newcastle because he did just that.

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‘What he did won’t be on social media, kids won’t be watching that, there won’t be clips, because what he does goes under the radar.

‘For me, Jorginho has to play for Arsenal. They have got the ammunition up front, we have seen that, Martinelli and Saka have delivered, whereas Jorginho brings balance.’

Arsenal’s poor form in April has left them one point behind Manchester City with three games remaining. The Gunners play host to Brighton on Sunday.

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